Pakistan A beat Afghanistan to lead in three match series

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan A beat Afghanistan in their second one-day game by 150 runs on Friday to secure victory in the three-match series.

Once Pakistan A scored a mammoth 327-7 in their 50 overs after winning the toss on a flat batting strip at Rawalpindi, they were on course for a big win.

The victory gave the team an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series, the first international contest in the country since terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009.

Afghanistan were never on course to chase down the daunting target and were bowled out for 177 in 46.5 overs.

The opening pair Sharjeel Khan (64) and Babar Azam (63) put the home side on course for a big total with a 107 run stand. Khan’s 64 comprised of ten fours and a six.

Umar Amin chipped in with 63 and wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed hit a fiery 26-ball 46 not out, while off-spinner Dawlat Zadran was the pick of Afghanistan bowlers with 3-82.

Left-arm pacemen Sadaf Hussain (4-46) and skipper Sohail Tanvir (2-23) then destroyed the Afghan batting, with only Samiullah Shinwari (61) offering any resistance.

The tourists will now look to the third and final match, to be played in Faisalabad on Sunday, to restore a measure of pride.

Afghanistan is the first international team to tour Pakistan since the Sri Lankan team attack in2009.

Speaking at the post-match ceremony, the interior minister Rehman Malik said his government was ready to give security to foreign teams.

"We promised full security for Afghanistan team and this series will give positive signals to other teams and we promise that we will do everything to revive international cricket in Pakistan.”

The score summary:

Pakistan:

'A' 327-7 in 50 overs (Sharjeel Khan 64, Umar Amin 63, Babar Azam 63, Sarfraz Ahmed 46 not out; Dawlat Zadran 3-82)

Afghanistan:

177 in 46.5 overs (Javed Ahmedi 61; Sadaf Hussain 4-46)